Bayou La Batre corruption trial testimony continues

Testimony continues in the Bayou La Batre corruption trial involving Mayor Stan Wright's daughter, Mary Cook and city grant administrator Janey Galbraith.

At center stage Wednesday: the meeting where it was decided to buy some land owned by the Mayor's daughter.

Prosecutors pointed out the hefty price tag, while Galbraith's attorney took note of one particular witness's testimony. 

Janey Galbraith left the federal courthouse in Mobile surrounded by her legal team which is trying to convince jurors that the Bayou La Batre grant administrator wasn't pulling the wool over anyone's eyes.

Prosecutors allege Galbriath, Bayou La Batre Mayor Stan Wright and his daughter Mary Cook conspired to defraud the federal government by misusing FEMA money meant for an affordable housing project in the Bayou following Hurricane Katrina.

City Clerk Donna Gainey testified that she trusted Janey Galbraith during cross-examination.

"When you get the Bayou La Batre city clerk who has no dog in the hunt to say your client is trustworthy, and she trusts her, and she's the one that handles the money, that's about as good as you can get," said Vince Kilborn, Galbraith's attorney.

As a witness for the prosecution, Gainey was asked about the meeting where members approved the purchase of land owned by Mayor Stan Wright's daughter, Mary Cook.

City council members agreed to pay Mary Cook $3 per square foot for the land — which came out to $27,000.

The government says that was five times the amount it was worth. Assistant US Attorney Maria Murphy said other land owners in Bayou La Batre were only paid 84 cents a square foot. 

Gainey also testified that Cook was not present at the meeting when it was decided her land would be used for the housing project, a detail Cook's attorney said is important.

"I don't want them to think she was there, because she wasn't," said Alexander. "She doesn't have anything to do with this. Family gave her some money that she desperately needed; that is all."

Testimony, at times, became very tedious with land deeds and city council meeting minutes dominating the discussion.

After one juror appeared to fall asleep, US District Judge Kristi Dubose told everyone to wake up and pay attention.

Kilborn said he has not decided if his client Janey Galbraith will take the stand.